Our senior baseball writer, Tim McLeod is on a much-deserved vacation, so he’s left the writing of this week’s waiver wire in my hands.  He did provide some names. I added a view and wrote up the capsules.  I hope it meets your lofty expectations.

Enjoy the list and please click on the baseball card to visit our partner amazon.com to explore additional information on each player.

Homer Bailey, SP, KC (CBS: 27% owned)

Homer Bailey has a 2.51 ERA in June and has pitched very well over his last three games.  He’s still Homer Bailey, but if you like to add em when they are hot, well, here you go.

Bo Bichette, SS, TOR (CBS: 37% owned)

He was mentioned on our podcast last week as a guy who should be called up soon.  I would be adding where I could.

J.P. Crawford, SS, SEA (CBS: 17% owned)

J.P. Crawford has never lived up to his prospect hype.  However, he’s hitting .319 in 31 games in the Majors this year, so the question has to be…have things changed?  Well, he’s got a .414 BABIP which would indicate that his .319 batting average is going to regress.  He’s ranked in the bottom quartile of exit velocity, so the power doesn’t look like it has yet to develop, but there is some speed.  So, add it all up…no, it doesn’t look like he’s broken out, but he’s a sexy name with a sexy batting average.

Deivi Garcia, SP, NYY (CBS: 9% owned)

He’s all of 5-foot-9, but hasn’t given up a hit in two games and has struck out 24.  He’s only pitched eight games over A-Ball, but you know what…I think he’s ready.  The Yankees need arms and I say…why not…

Keston Hiura, 2B, MIL (CBS: 64% owned)

He’s the most obvious pick up this week and unfortunately is owned in a ton of leagues.  He can really hit with some power and speed.  He could be a difference maker in the second half.  Go get em if he’s available.

Josh James, SP/RP, HOU (CBS: 15% owned)

The walks are at 5.8 per nine, but Josh James has a great arm and was supposed to compete for a rotation spot this year.  Could this be the time?

Daniel Mengden, SP, OAK (CBS: 14% owned)

Daniel Mengden has been better than league average this year.  Ok, slightly better.  But with ERA’s rising quickly, he might be worth an add.

Brendan McKay, SP, TAM (CBS: 58% owned)

I’m all-in on Brendan McKay and believe he could be a difference maker in the second half.  His innings limit could become a problem, but he’s shoved in his 34 starts in the minor leagues and I’m anxious to see him dealing against the big boys.

Tommy Milone, SP/RP, SEA (CBS: 14% owned)

Maybe following the “opener” is his niche?  Probably not. But with everyone in need of pitching, you can do a lot worse.

Kevin Newman, SS/2B, PIT (CBS: 29% owned)

I always thought the upside for Kevin Newman was a utility performer at the highest level.  But, I might have been light as the power has developed nicely.  We know he can hit, although a .363 BABIP says there is some batting average correction on the horizon, a 13% strikeout rate says he might hit .300

Miguel Rojas, 1B/3B/SS, MIA (CBS: 4% owned)

There isn’t much power with Miguel Rojas but he makes good contacwith a little speed.  That’ll work in some formats.

Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, NYM (CBS: 13% owned)

I was always a big fan of Dom Smith and I’m glad to see him having success.  I think there is more power to develop and at some point, the Mets have to shift their focus to younger players.  They do…right???

Eric Sogard, 2B/SS, TOR (CBS: 20% owned)

Remember when Eric Sogard was an after thought in fantasy baseball circles.  This year, he’s hitting .308 with nine home runs and six stolen bases this year.  Coming into the season, he had 11 home runs over his nine-year Major League career.  Has Sogard finally developed power at age 33?  Maybe?  But, it’s more likely the ball…  It doesn’t matter, he can help you.

Jose Urquidy, SP, HOU (CBS: 1% owned)

Jose Urquidy is a nice development find by the Astros and has posted a sub 3.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts per nine in Triple-A.  With the fifth slot wide open, he could get the opportunity.

Austin Voth, SP, WAS (CBS: 11% owned)

Austin Voth got a start against the Braves last week and was sitting 94 MPH, an increase of 3 MPH from last year?  Was he amped up or has he found some new velo?   He was ok in Fresno before the call-up.  It might be time to invest a little to see if this is real.